Killing Hezbollah Commanders Will Not Defeat the Group, Iran States – Reuters

DUBAI – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated on Wednesday that targeting Hezbollah commanders will not undermine the group, following Israeli strikes that killed senior members of the Iran-backed organization during extensive air attacks in Lebanon.

Khamenei emphasized that Hezbollah maintains significant organizational strength and human resources, asserting that the loss of a senior commander, while notable, will not critically impact the group.

According to Lebanon’s health minister, Israel’s recent military actions against Hezbollah have resulted in 569 fatalities since Monday, marking the most lethal assault on Lebanon in nearly twenty years. This escalation follows nearly a year of conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza.

Khamenei declared that “the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance will achieve final victory,” accusing Israel of targeting civilians out of desperation in its inability to conquer its adversaries.

Iran has been a longstanding ally of Hezbollah since the group’s formation in 1982.

Khamenei also placed blame on the United States for the increased violence in Lebanon, which came after recent attacks disrupted communication devices utilized by Hezbollah. He criticized U.S. claims of ignorance regarding Israeli plans, suggesting instead that Washington is aware of and involved in the developments, asserting that the Biden administration seeks a win for Israel ahead of the upcoming presidential election in November.